Heat stress problem in dairy farming

Abstract

In the context of the industrial survival of animal husbandry, taking into account the climatic characteristics of Krasnodar region, climate is considered as a heat stress, the result of an imbalance between the intake of heat from the environment and its release by the body. To assess the risks of occurrence and severity of heat stress in cattle, it is necessary to take into account not only the ambient temperature, but also humidity indicators. The temperature and humidity index provides for these two variables and allows us to assess the need for cooling of animals. The article provides information on the possibilities of occurrence and impact of heat stress due to the temperature-humidity state of the environment. Analysis of the reporting data of the Veterinary Department of Krasnodar region and the number of industries in Krasnodar region and cattle sampling rates from 2017 to 2019 demonstrates an increase in the number of abortions and youth losses during the third quarter when the temperature of the environment reaches its maximum. With this in mind, to increase the adaptability of animals under prolonged heat stress, it is necessary to regularly monitor the environmental parameters (use of thermometers and hygrometers to assess the temperature and humidity index), as well as plan protective measures (adapted feeding technology, specialized additives, good bulky feed), which will help to minimize the negative impact of hyperthermia on the economy of livestock production.